As well as showcasing some of Ireland's most progressive pedigree dairy herds, the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) Focus farm programme highlights the management practices, breeding decisions and innovations that drive success on modern dairy farms.

The 2026 Focus farm videos feature six dairy businesses operating across a range of systems, from pure Friesian spring-calving herds to high-performing Holstein enterprises utilising advanced reproductive technologies.

While each farm has developed a system tailored to its own circumstances, all six share a commitment to pedigree breeding, continuous improvement and building profitable, sustainable dairy businesses for the future.

The farmers and their lessons

Paddy and Michael Quealy, Grenan herd, Co Waterford

The Quealy family operates a 209-cow pure Friesian herd on a 630-acre farm in Co Waterford.

Four generations of farming experience, combined with a strong focus on pedigree breeding, fertility and grazing management, have helped develop a highly efficient spring-calving herd producing over 7,100kg of milk and 563kg of milk solids per cow.

The family's move to a closed pedigree herd has strengthened disease control, herd uniformity and long-term genetic progress.

  • Key lesson: consistent breeding decisions and a disciplined grass-based system can deliver strong performance and long-term sustainability.

    • Brian, Hazel and Mark Grey, Watchorn herd, Co Kildare

    The Watchorn herd combines strong pedigree breeding traditions with a modern business approach.

    Every cow carries the Watchorn prefix, reflecting decades of careful breeding focused on production, fertility and longevity.

    Alongside the dairy enterprise, the family has diversified through Graze Dairy, selling milk directly to consumers through vending machines and artisan dairy products. Recent investments in activity-monitoring technology further support herd performance and labour efficiency.

  • Key lesson: innovation and diversification can create additional value while maintaining a strong focus on livestock breeding and performance.

    • Ronan Siochru, Dingle herd, Co Kerry

    Farming on the Dingle Peninsula presents unique challenges, including high rainfall and extended housing periods, yet Ronan Siochru has built one of the highest-performing herds in the Focus farm programme.

    Averaging more than 9,300kg of milk and 721kg of solids, the herd benefits from high-quality forage, advanced herd-monitoring technology and genomic testing of all replacement heifers.

    • Key lesson: genetics and technology can help farmers overcome environmental challenges while maintaining exceptional herd performance.

      • Shane, Gerard and Roseann McHugh, Knockmullen herd, Co Leitrim

      The McHugh family has developed a pedigree breeding programme centred on fertility, milk solids, health traits and cow families with proven performance records.

      A major focus for 2026 is the transition to a fully spring-calving system aimed at improving grass utilisation, simplifying labour requirements and supporting a better work-life balance.

    • Key lesson: aligning herd management with farm resources and lifestyle goals can improve both efficiency and sustainability.

      • Melvin and George Masterson, Boroside herd, Co Cork

      At Boroside Holsteins, pedigree breeding is combined with cutting-edge reproductive technologies including embryo transfer, sexed semen and advanced herd monitoring systems. Milking 130 cows and producing almost 9,000kg of milk and 739kg of solids per cow, the family continues to accelerate genetic progress while maintaining a strong focus on fertility and longevity.

    • Key lesson: strategic use of modern breeding technologies can significantly increase genetic gain and herd performance.

      • Denis O'Leary, Clochrua herd, Co Cork

      Denis O'Leary operates a highly productive 170-cow spring-calving herd where grass utilisation, genetics and efficiency form the foundation of the system.

      Pedigree breeding, genomic information and careful pasture management are central to decision making, helping maximise profitability while maintaining sustainability within the business.

    • Key lesson: strong grazing management combined with targeted genetic improvement can deliver sustainable productivity gains.

      • Common themes

      Although the six farmers operate very different systems, several common themes emerged throughout their stories:

    • Pedigree breeding remains a cornerstone of long-term herd improvement.
    • Fertility, longevity and milk solids are key breeding objectives across all farms.
    • Technology is increasingly supporting breeding, herd management and labour efficiency.
    • Genetics and genomics are helping farmers make more informed decisions.

  • Successful dairy systems are built around the specific resources, environment and goals of each farm business.
  • Continuous improvement and long-term thinking are essential for profitable and resilient dairy farming.

    • Conclusion

    The 2026 IHFA Focus Farm programme demonstrates that there is no single blueprint for success in dairy farming.

    From pure Friesian breeding programmes and grass-based systems to embryo transfer and genomic testing, each Focus farmer has developed a unique approach that reflects their farm's strengths and ambitions. What unites them is a shared commitment to pedigree breeding, careful management and continual progress.

    The series provides valuable insights for dairy farmers seeking practical ideas to improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability within their own businesses, while highlighting the important role genetics continue to play in shaping the future of Irish dairy farming.

    Videos of the six Focus farms are available to watch on the IHFA website.